South Korean entertainment agency YG Entertainment recently released an announcement from founder Yang Hyun-suk (梁鉉錫) outlining the latest activities of its artists. The statement revealed new song plans for BABYMONSTER and TREASURE, and also disclosed preparations for the debut of new boy and girl groups. However, the announcement made no mention of BLACKPINK, the agency's flagship girl group. The omission immediately sparked heated discussion among fans, with many speculating whether BLACKPINK would continue to work with YG as a group in the future.
YG Entertainment previously updated fans on its artists through "YG ANNOUNCEMENT" videos. However, Yang Hyun-suk stated that it had been about five months since his last greeting, and due to a busy production schedule, he opted to share updates via a written announcement instead.
First, Yang Hyun-suk revealed BABYMONSTER's new song plans. The group will release a new digital single, "DESERVE," on Oct. 23, approximately four months after their previous song, "SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA." Yang Hyun-suk described the new song as a ballad, yet possessing the strongest energy among the group's releases to date, combining delicate vocals with powerful singing. He expressed hope that it would deeply move fans. Additionally, BABYMONSTER's new album is expected to be released early next year.
As for TREASURE, they are scheduled to release a new digital single, "SHOCK," on Nov. 2. Yang Hyun-suk stated that the group released the mini-album NEW WAV in June this year, experimenting with different types of hip-hop music and marking this work as the "beginning of the second act" to gradually adjust their musical direction. The new song will showcase a strong hip-hop style, and the group will use this as a starting point for a new phase of activities extending until 2027.
In addition to existing groups, YG also revealed plans for new artist debuts. The company is currently preparing to launch a new five-member boy group and a four-member girl group. Both groups, along with TREASURE and BABYMONSTER, are expected to become key pillars of the company in the future. Yang Hyun-suk stated that both new groups will continue recording demo songs, which have been prepared for a long time, until the end of the year. Once the title tracks are confirmed, specific debut dates will be finalized.
Yang Hyun-suk also teased that more news would be revealed through a "YG ANNOUNCEMENT" video at the end of the year and expressed gratitude to global fans who have continuously supported and awaited YG artists.
However, what concerned fans most about this announcement was not the new songs or debut plans, but the complete absence of BLACKPINK's name. As one of YG's most iconic girl groups, BLACKPINK's total omission left many fans dissatisfied, leading them to question whether the company was shifting its resources and promotional focus to other groups.
Some netizens further speculated whether BLACKPINK had not renewed their group activity contract with YG, leading to their complete absence from this announcement. Comments included: "So BLACKPINK didn't renew their group activities, right?" "Thank you, BLACKPINK, the money you earned is now being used to help other groups make comebacks," and "BLACKPINK is finally free." Others expressed pessimism, saying, "They didn't even mention BLACKPINK once, it really feels like it's over..."
However, YG's announcement did not clarify BLACKPINK's future group activities, and netizens' speculations about their contract status remain unconfirmed. Based solely on the omission of the group's name from the announcement, it is not yet possible to determine if there has been a change in their contract or collaborative relationship. BLACKPINK's future direction awaits further explanation from the company.
